Ebuzz News
Buju Puts Family and Health First. Marley Magic Will Descend on Tobago This Easter Sunday.
Unforeseen and certainly unintended, the Tobago Festivals Commission Limited regrets to confirm that renowned reggae artiste, Mark Myrie, best known as Buju Banton, has been forced to postpone his performance in Tobago this Easter.
The artiste, in a dialogue with organisers of the Rhythm and Soul Festival, being hosted this Easter weekend, humbly requested compassion and understanding as a close member of his team confronts a very dire health matter- someone he acknowledges as ‘family.’ “Trust and believe that your love and support, your admiration, has been overwhelming over the years and we plan to make it up to you. Nothing is more important and nothing is more vital than health, so right now I am in the throws fighting for a good friend’s life,” said the artiste in a video statement. He assured that fans in Trinidad and Tobago will see him soon.
Arrangements for a rescheduled concert featuring the artiste, in Tobago, are forthcoming.
MARLEY MAGIC ON THE WAY.
In the meantime, organizers, cognizant of the importance of ensuring patrons’ complete satisfaction this Easter holiday weekend, have moved swiftly to guarantee a memorable show, regardless. “We are happy to announce that Stephen Marley, the son of the legend himself, Bob Marley, will be blessing us with his presence on the island, on April 20th,” said Kern Cowan – CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission.
Photo : Alive Coverage for Live Nation
“When presented with Buju’s situation, there was no way we could not show compassion. Health and family are priority to us all. How could we ignore what Buju is facing at this time? We understand, so we have moved to ensure that the Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival delivers the same level of positive energy, upliftment, affirmative musical expression and love. This will ultimately be a show nobody should miss,” said Mr. Cowan.
From April 17th to April 20th, the island of Tobago comes alive with the sounds of Gospel, Jazz, Reggae and Soca music. Nigerian gospel singer, Sinach, headlines ‘Melodies from Heaven’ on Holy Thursday and on Saturday, April 19th, international artistes, Jon Secada and Brian McKnight will be joined by Trinidad and Tobago Soca star, Mical Teja, delivering the perfect balance of music to serenade the masses at Buccoo Seafood Jazz.
Fusion closes off the long holiday weekend on Sunday, April 20th at the Dwight Yorke Stadium with Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Kes The Band, Singing Melody and now, the incomparable, Stephen Marley – a powerful voice in the Marley dynasty.
“We understand that some patrons would be disappointed that Buju Banton is unable to be with us at this time. For those desirous of refunds, the option is available. Tickets may be returned to outlets where purchased for a full refund. We however anticipate that this will still be a weekend of performances not to be missed, and will provide memories for the masses for a lifetime.’ said Cowan.
Caribbean Buzz
Rising Superstar, Coutain Heads to Tobago for Easter Weekend, Rhthym and Soul Festival.
Like a breath of fresh air, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s very own rising stars has been added to the Easter cast of a major festival happening on the island. Coutain, a reserved Sangre Grande entertainer who’s been making waves, though humbly, is the one of the latest names plugged to entertain visitors to Tobago, and locals alike, at the Buccoo Seafood and Jazz event.
Coutain’s rise to prominence say him take Carnival 2025 by storm, performing at several major events and showcasing a unique essence that’s likable and palatable to all demographics. Songs like ‘Junction,’ ‘Artform’ ‘Jamtown’ with Tano, and ‘Carnival Darling’ with GBM Nutron, form part of the artiste’s enticing catalogue. An organic and true undercurrent that’s proven effective in marketing the artiste, now sees him stand alongside the likes of International superstars, Brian McKnight and Jon Secada in Tobago on April 19th.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival aims to deliver a showcase of rich, cultural engagement this Easter and despite an election shadow, all efforts have remained strong in promoting the importance of showcasing Tobago’s tourism product, to the world.
Last week, the announcement of Buju Banton’s sudden replacement as a result of illness within his camp, led to some concern, however with Stephen Marley now headlining the Easter Sunday, ‘Fusion’ concert event alongside the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody, Kes The Band and others, the show, according to organizers, is gearing up to be a highlight of the calendar year in Tobago.
Coutain, along with former Road March King, Mical Teja and St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, will be among the star studded line-up this Easter weekend in a festival that’s being touted as transformative and energizing on Trinidad’s sister isle.
Ebuzz News
Finally, Marley Consciousness Will Erupt in T&T This Easter.
A near carbon copy of the original and still, a powerful force in reggae music on his own, Stephen Marley graces the shores of Trinidad and Tobago this Easter. The artiste’s imminent arrival has been prompted by the unforeseen postponement of Buju Banton’s appearance in Tobago this year. For true fans of reggae music however, Stephen’s name is a breath of fresh air – a ‘Marley’ having been absent from the local entertainment and concert scene, since 2012.
Stephen, is by all measure, the living, breathing spirit of the late, great, Bob Marley. An eight-time Grammy Award winner, Bob’s second child with wife, Rita Marley has stood firm in the trenches for his father’s mission of empowering mankind through music, melody and lyrical prowess.
The Tobago Rhythm and Soul Festival, with organisers, the Tobago Festival Commission, keenly cognizant of the need to inject positive music and energy into the twin island Republic, has chosen this powerhouse entertainer to stand in for Buju at this time, confident that his timeless music, will engage the masses. “Challenge comes with growth. This festival will ultimately blossom into a product that Trinidad and Tobago can essentially be very proud of. As we develop the brand and build from the foundation up, we’re tremendously happy for the outpouring of support we’ve been receiving,” said Kern Cowan – CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission.
The inclusion of the elder Marley on the Easter Sunday ‘Fusion’ cast, amplifies the commitment of the organisers, to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in satisfying the people of Trinidad and Tobago and those who will visit for the holiday weekend. “We’re excitedly moving full speed ahead with systems on overdrive to accommodate our visitors. Tobago is a beautiful destination for anyone interested in absorbing life’s natural blessings. The island truly has it all – beauty, serenity, nature and now, with a product like this one, we’re ultimately showcasing the possibilities,” said Cowan.
Across the Caribbean, tourist destinations are a dime a dozen. The simplicity of Tobago’s eco-focused aesthetic however delivers something unique to those who’ve done the ‘magazine-destinations’ time and time again. “Music is fundamental to life and so we knew that in order to better highlight and market Tobago in its most authentic way, we could not overpower the energy of the island, but rather, compliment it. For that reason, we’ve created a festival that soothes, regenerates and uplifts,” said Cowan.
His father’s voice perfectly synced to his, Stephen Marley will penetrate Trinidad and Tobago at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago, on Easter Sunday. He will be joined by the likes of Gramps Morgan, Wayne Wonder, Singing Melody and more. The stage is set for what is being touted as a transformative experience in Trinidad and Tobago.
